Diocese of Virginia Mental Health Committee

Thank you for visiting this
website, devoted to providing resources to clergy, lay leadership and mental
health professionals. The
committee, through its research, knows that there is a desperate need for
relevant information to parishes about dysfunctional mental health. Clergy need to make informed
referrals. Parishioners need to
know how to include persons with mental health issues in the life of the Church
by reducing stigma.

Here you will find resources to
educate yourselves and parishes about mental health issues. You will find resources of the State of
Virginia for mental health counselors. Educational material for persons with mental health issues is referenced
and much can be downloaded. Through this website you can plan adult educational programs, establish
a mental health section to your library and find references for many mental
health issues such as domestic violence, bullying, and community mental health
emergencies.

You use of this website is
encouraged. If we and the
Committee need to add or modify any of its content, your advice is valued. We would also welcome your assistance
on the Committee.

In Christ,

Marleen McCabe, Ph.D.,
Co-Chair: Paul Ackerman, Ph.D.,
Co-Chair

MissionAs members of the Body of
Christ, we seek to live out the reconciling love of Jesus by offering
educational programs and resources so that Churches may become welcoming and
nurturing to all people through active and compassionate understanding and
acceptance of varying degrees of mental health.

PrayerLord Jesus Christ, you ministered
to all who came to you. Look with
compassion upon all who have lost their health and freedom through mental dysfunction. Restore to them the assurance of your
unfailing mercy. Remove the
anxiety and loneliness that besets them.
Strengthen them as they seek balance and continuity. For those who care about making God’s
worship available to all, including those with mental dysfunction, give them
patient understanding, courage to act with compassion and persevering
love. All this we ask for your
mercy’s sake. Amen.

Mental
Health EmergencyIf you, a
parishioner, or loved one is experiencing a mental health emergency, please
call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.